2024 WNBA No. 5 overall pick makes Ohio State women's basketball return

Jacy Sheldon was selected by the Dallas Wings with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Before she was making an impact in the WNBA, though, Sheldon was playing the guard position for Ohio State women's basketball. On Monday, it was announced that Sheldon will be returning to the Buckeyes in a new role.

Ohio State women's basketball announced that Sheldon will be the team's director of player development. Sheldon is still focused on preparing for the WNBA season of course, but this role allows her to return to the program and make an impact for Ohio State.

Jacy Sheldon's college career

Sheldon, 24, is from Ohio. She ended up playing her college ball in her home state for the Buckeyes. She spent five total seasons with the program, averaging 15.6 points per game. She recorded just under 20 points per outing during the 2021-22 season. In 2023-24, her senior season, Sheldon averaged 17.8 points per game on 50.5 percent field goal and 37.3 percent three-point shooting.

One element of Sheldon's game that stood out throughout her college career was her intense defensive effort. Sheldon always played extremely hard on both sides of the ball, and there was no denying the fact that she caused havoc for opponents. Sheldon has continued to play an aggressive brand of defense at the WNBA level as well.

Overall, Sheldon averaged 1.9 steals per game during her time at Ohio State. Her ability to make plays on both ends of the floor made her an intriguing prospect for WNBA teams. Sheldon is remembered as one of the best guards to ever play for Ohio State women's basketball.

Sheldon joins the WNBA

The 2024 WNBA Draft was dominated by headlines about Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Clark and Reese emerged as two of the most popular athletes in all of sports during their college careers, and they received most of the attention heading into the draft. Still, teams took notice of Sheldon.

The Wings ultimately selected Sheldon No. 5 overall in the draft. Dallas wanted to add another guard to help Arike Ogunbowale and they felt that Sheldon was the best choice. She is still developing as a scorer in the WNBA but Sheldon displayed signs of potential during her rookie season.

She ended up averaging 5.4 points per game on 38.6 percent field goal and 30.9 percent three-point shooting in 2024. Sheldon also recorded averages of 2.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 0.6 steals per outing.

The Wings believe in Jacy Sheldon's future. They expect her to play a big role moving forward. Meanwhile, Sheldon will focus on preparing for the 2025 WNBA season in addition to beginning a new role at Ohio State.